Picks and Pans Review: Living Upstairs

Hansen created gay insurance investigator Dave Brandstetter, who loved and lost, matured and died. This work, set in the ’40s, launches a new series character. The mystery elements are modest but sufficient. The characters, dialogue and ambience are richly convincing. This is that glorious rarity, a coming-of-age novel by a seasoned pro. (Dutton, $20)